King’s Own Band Club’s centenary celebrations

The King’s Own Philharmonic Society will this year be celebrating the centenary of the band’s successful performance at the Algiers international contest on April 8, 1912.

On that occasion the band, under the direction of Mro Aurelio Doncich, earned the title of ‘ Excellence’ (Eċċellenza).

A special committee has been set up to organise various activities. It is made up of president Alfred Camenzuli, vice-president Vincent Piccinino, secretary George Gusman, treasurer Marvic Borg, public relations officer Joseph Borg and members Ivan Grixti, Dominic Galea, Vincent Galea, Anthony Zahra, Pio Borg, Michael Zammit, Charles Ellul, Marlene Buttigieg and Jurgen Briffa.

Among the many activities being held to commemorate the event are a concert of funeral music in Merchants Street, Valletta (in front of the Health Ministry), on April 5 at 9.30 p.m., a thanksgiving Mass with the participation of the Kappella Bugeja orchestra and the Jesus of Nazareth Choir under the direction of Fr Salv Galea, OP, at St Dominic Basilica parish church, Valletta, on April 14 at 6 p.m. and a band march in Valletta on April 21 at 10 a.m.